A few moments after Shang arrives Borak fills something rub up against his lower left leg and he looks down. Isa's cat looks up at him... Borak peers into those eyes and for moment he thinks he sees something deeper than a sly cat but shakes it off. It seems that the cat knows you have the goat curds as it looks at the bag in your hand and back up at you.
Tufnut gives you quick glance but keeps her focus on the bag of cheese and curds.
"Tell him to give me some of those goat curds. And don't be stingy with them this time! I am hungry from all this protecting I am doing! Tell the big one to be quick about it!"
... Børak tosses the bag of curds to the curb...
Isa leans over and grabs the bag of cheese curds before Borak drops them.
"I think Tufnut might like a few as a snack if you do not mind"
She takes a few of the curds and drops them to the rangy cat below.
And what precisely are you protecting me from? Did you see or hear anything from that boy with the red sash?"
Shang looks around then leads the group onwards, furtively, towards their destination.
Isa leans over and grabs the bag of cheese curds before Borak drops them.
"I think Tufnut might like a few as a snack if you do not mind"
She takes a few of the curds and drops them to the rangy cat below.
And what precisely are you protecting me from? Did you see or hear anything from that boy with the red sash?"
The cat laps up the curds and then cleans its paws and face quickly. Giving Isa a sideways glance and you notice Isa gives the cat a glaring look as the cat falls in step with her just off to her left side.
"Everything lately..." You can feel the sarcasm and then the flash of an image of the man in the mountains who lost his mind and the image of the man in the Ibis mask...High Inquisitor Atum. The image of the young boy with the white pants and red sash. "This one is just a rogue and a foolish young one at... He has decided to not follow us any longer. BUT I fear he is the for bearer of bigger rats that are lurking in the shadows ready to overrun you and your...friends." The images stop and Tufnut seems to calm as she finishes the curds "The curds are good but I would prefer them on a plate next time. MRrroww... "
Shang guides you down the street for a bit and then has you take a left and then a right.
'She does strike me as the type to take what she wants,' Smiling as Isa takes the curds, Børak nods towards Tufnut, "I hope he enjoys them." Following behind Shang and Isa, his head on a swivel, Børak matches pace as Isa slows slightly to drops a few curds to the cat.
Looking back over his shoulder for any Zorabi wearing red sashes or anyone that seems out of place. Stopping momentarily looking to the north and west when they turn south, waiting to see if anyone comes out of the shadows, or follows them when they turn, quickening his pace, to catch up with his friends, Then stopping for a second when they turn back to the west, to see if any follows again.
Perc
Sen mot
'She does strike me as the type to take what she wants,' Smiling as Isa takes the curds, Børak nods towards Tufnut, "I hope he enjoys them." Following behind Shang and Isa, his head on a swivel, Børak matches pace as Isa slows slightly to drops a few curds to the cat.
Looking back over his shoulder for any Zorabi wearing red sashes or anyone that seems out of place. Stopping momentarily looking to the north and west when they turn south, waiting to see if anyone comes out of the shadows, or follows them when they turn, quickening his pace, to catch up with his friends, Then stopping for a second when they turn back to the west, to see if any follows again.
[dice=perception]1d20+8
[dice=sense motive]1d20+1
As the three of you make your way to the Gilded Palm Borak and Shang stop several times to see if they are being followed. It appears your tail has abandoned his cause and that no one else is shadowing you. You come to the Gilded Palm. It at one time was probably a remarkable place but you can tell it has come upon hard times. It has clearly not been kept up but the aroma and smell of food coming from it gives hint to delicious fair. The smell of coriander, curry, and other spices fill the air around the place along with grilled meats. It does make the three of you hungry.
I think we are early... this is good. We will have time to find a good seat, and perhaps a meal of stewed spiced goat and rice. My old lover was a fan of the dish. It was called 'Biryani'.
Stepping through the arched doorway of the Gilded Palm, Børak takes in the room with a glance. The mahogany bat-winged doors short a few slats. The maroon engraved ceramic tiles on the wall, some cracked or missing, letting the plain mud brick show through.The mosaic arched ceiling, where pieces have fallen out and smoke has left a light layer of grime on the images. Stepping further in, the aroma of the spicy dishes now mixes with the smoke from different hukka's and the combination of alcohol and sweat. His eyes falling on his companions, grunting "Early is good."
Pointing toward a table in the corner, he makes his way past the mixed crowd of merchants and locals, stopping at a small round oak table with four mixed-matched chairs. Dropping his axe on the table, he sits in the furthest bent-back chair, propping his feet on the three-legged wooden stool beside it. Smiling at Shang, as he waives at the scantily clad serving girl busy dodging the hands of diners and drinkers alike. He asks his friend, as the serving girl heads their way, "This 'Biryani' how does it go with wine?"
Isa looks about fascinated by the people and the slowly decaying beauty of the building.
"That sounds good...but I do not think wine would go well with such spices...maybe something like an ale to help cut the heat of the meal."
She slides onto the bench in a small booth at the back of the room and gathers up the cat to sit on her lap.
"Here you go...a good view of the room!"
I know a man named Jamukha the Ostler, a Zorabi/Susrahnite mix, who bought the stable behind the Gilded Palm and he gets a lot of merchant traffic from the establishment thanks to an agreement with the owner of the establishment... order for me while I slip out back to catch up. Order me a ale and a plate of mutton biryani, it is better with ale than wine
'Order while I slip out the back?' Taking his eyes off of the serving girl, Børak leans in to his friend, "Since we were being followed by the local riff raff, do you think you should go alone?"
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The Gilded Palm
As you walk in and find your table and sit down the three of you can't help to notice
The Street of the Desert Gate is the main thoroughfare from the Desert Gate to the Square of the Grand Souk. In the daylight hours it is thronged with travelers, traders and farmers, making their way to the Square from villages of the Oxartus valley. The Gilded Palm, located on the Street of the Desert Gate, was once renowned as the finest establishment in all of Dipur. However it now appears the place is fallen into disrepair by its current owner. The frescoes upon the interior walls are old and faded and it has been several years since the outer walls have seen a coat of whitewash. The whole place has an air of fading splendor about it, even the metal fixtures have corroded and the gold leaf has been picked off. The inn can cater for up to a dozen guests at any time, but it appears only half that number are currently in here and that seems to be the norm from what you can tell. To make matters worse, there are several Zorabi rogues sitting in the Taproom, looking suspicious and making the other clientele ill at ease.
The owner and head cook is Aram Anshal, a Susrahnite and a close personal friend of Haram Baal. Such is it's reputation that wealthy travelers are happy to pay over the odds to sample the culinary
delights on offer here. The truth is that the inn's fortunes are very much in decline. The quality of the food has declined as Aram
uses cheaper sources, lesser cuts of meat and skimps on portions.
The staff has been reduced to four employees from what you can tell.
Shang gets up and leaves moving to the back of the Gilded Palm and out the back open entrance. As he does several of the Zorabi thugs standing at the bar watch the small man leave as four ales are dropped off in front of them.
In the inn, there is a buxom serving wench, who just dropped off the drinks, and heads your way. She is of Susrahnite blood and in her early twenties. Not beautiful but not unattractive with long black semi-curled hair and deep brown eyes. Her top is revealing as is the tight-fitting skirt around her lower waistline revealing a pierced belly button with a silver charm. She walks up to Borak and sees the man's impressive size and the women next to him. In Sushranite see asks the man while looking directly at him. "Do you need something big guy?" Borak looks at the women and is about to speak and Isa tells her quickly and directly to bring three plates of mutton biryani and three ales. The women looks closely at Isa and then back to Borak and nods and turn quickly letting her skirt fly around revealing almost all of our backside and well-tanned legs to both of you as she walks off to the kitchen.
A moment later another young women returns, A few years younger, leaner, and smiling as she brings a big bowl of biryani, a plate of naan, and a bowl of raita. She lays it on the table with three plate. A moment later as the younger girl places the dishes the other girl brings out three mugs of a pale ale.
The younger girl smiles and moves back towards the kitchen with her platter. The buxom women checks the table...seems to smile at Isa and looks at her cat near Isa's feet and then back to the tall man. "May I get you anything else tonight?" Borak nods as if to tell her he his good but Isa turns to her. "Salt...some salt and dark olives if you have them and that will be it. You may go." Tufnut lets out a long "Meorrrow"
The women turns and leaves towards the kitchen.
Shang makes his way over along a walkway between the inn and the stable and walks into the stable looking around for his "friend".
Where is that old master ostler Jamukha?, he asks respectfully.
From his seat against the wall, Børak makes a mental notes to watch the Zorabi thugs they had seen sitting in the taproom. Nodding as his friend decides to leave, he comments, "if the thugs in the taproom leave before you get back." He looks at Isa quickly, "We will watch to make sure they are not following you."
As Shang leaves Børak discreetly watches the taproom attempting to see how many Zorabi there were and if they were wearing red sashes. Remembering he had waived at the waitress he turns to her and repeats Shangs request, "An ale and a plate of mutton biryani." Not sure what to order for himself he shrugs, "Make that two." He looks to Isa, raising an eyebrow, "Or should that be three?" Nodding towards the stray cat on her lap, he smiles. "Or should it be four?"
His attention turning back to the thugs in the tap room, Børak hardly notices when the second woman brings out the food and the buxom waitress returns with the ale. Barely hearing her question, he nods, realizing Isa had asked for something, looking in time to see Tufnut meow. He shakes his head, "I was hoping Shang would be back by now. It looks like he may be eating his favorite dish cold."
Grabbing the wooden spoon he starts piling the dish onto his plate. Taking a piece of the naan, he tears the soft bread dipping it in the raita and takes a bite, speaking as he chews. "So lamb in rice, served with bread and cold gravy. It seems like Shang likes a lot of rice." He shrugs and takes a bite of the biryani, turning his attention to the Zorabi thugs then unconsciously takes another bite. As he chews the second bite, his eyes begin to water and soon after beads of sweat appear on his forehead. Picking up the faded linen napkin he wipes his eyes and forehead, taking a large gulp of the ale, he turns to Isa and asks. "Is the food from your Yar-Ammon this hot as well?"
Savouring the spicy flavours of the biryani, Isa shakes her head slightly.
"Not nearly so spicy, but more savoury and nuanced. But this...this is delicious! At the temple, we were strictly fed only food that was dull and tasteless so we would not be distracted from our studies...but occasionally we would get out into the town and taste some other fares!"
She too is watching the crowd and as the time drags on and Shang does not reappear, she begins to worry.
"Do you need to go out Tufnut? That's a good kitty...out you go!"
See if you can find Shang and make sure he is not in any trouble. Come back and I will have a saucer of milk waiting for you.
Where is that old master ostler Jamukha?, he asks respectfully.
Shang hears men talking and walks down to the end of the stable and he hears Jamukha's voice as three Susrahnite young men walk out as you walk up to the stall. Jamukha is tossing some hay into a corner of the empty stall. The three young men walk by Shang and smile, not friendly smiles, but they nod and walk out of the stables.
"Just closing out some previous business my friend. Do you need use of my stables tonight by chance?" Shang talks with him a bit mostly about the local merchants and then Shang delves into more specifics about the merchant with the job and any other news that Jamukha might know.
Jamukha seems very standoffish tonight and seems in hurry and not in a talkative mood. He tells you that the merchant's name is Hadramas, and he is looking for experienced mercenaries as extra security to accompany him and a small caravan of goods to Arenjun in time for the yearly festival called The Beggar’s Feast. Arenjun is south of Dipur and north of Khaszabad. A small village that has become an important trading station along the trade route. He is looking for 5 or 6 extra experienced hands to ensure the caravan arrives safely. He believes the man is looking to hire quickly and is even offering a signing bonus of 10 gold pieces. He thinks the total bounty is 60 or 70gps for a weeks worth of work. Man is going to be dinning at the Gilded Palm tonight as his personal horses are in his stable.
That is all Jamukha can offer you and seems to push you out of the stables and looks up the doors and leaves for the night.
Shang walks back along the walkway and back into the Gilded Palm. He sees Isa and Borak dining on the food. Shang notices Tufnut walking along beside him on the walk as he makes his way back in.
Savouring the spicy flavours of the biryani, Isa shakes her head slightly.
"Not nearly so spicy, but more savoury and nuanced. But this...this is delicious! At the temple, we were strictly fed only food that was dull and tasteless so we would not be distracted from our studies...but occasionally we would get out into the town and taste some other fares!"
She too is watching the crowd and as the time drags on and Shang does not reappear, she begins to worry.
"Do you need to go out Tufnut? That's a good kitty...out you go!"
See if you can find Shang and make sure he is not in any trouble. Come back and I will have a saucer of milk waiting for you.
The cat gives Isa an odd look and then rubs around Borak's leg and then moves off to the back and to the walkway passing the young girl.
"Sure...I will be your watchdog...spy...lookout...better be fresh and cold!"
She is only gone for maybe five minutes and you see Shang walk back through the walkway and Tufnut walking beside him.
"Well that was easy... He was talking to another man in the stable."
That was... strange. Perhaps my friend had other business to attend to. He was brusque, almost discourteous.
He sat and began to eat, absentmindedly tossing the more gristly bits of the mutton down to the cat.
Jamukha The Ostler seemed very standoffish tonight, in hurry and not in a talkative mood. The merchant's name is Hadramas, and he is looking for experienced mercenaries as extra security to accompany him and a small caravan of goods to Arenjun in time for the yearly festival called The Beggar’s Feast. Arenjun is south of Dipur and north of Khaszabad. A small village that has become an important trading station along the trade route. He is looking for 5 or 6 extra experienced hands to ensure the caravan arrives safely. He believes the man is looking to hire quickly and is even offering a signing bonus of 10 gold pieces. He thinks the total bounty is 60 or 70gps for a weeks worth of work. Man is going to be dinning at the Gilded Palm tonight as his personal horses are in his stable
The drinks then pauses reflectively.
Truth be told I could use the sign on bonus. It is embarrassing to say but I am down to just a few solitary silvers
'Delicious? Frowning slightly, Børak eats the other half of the flat bread, 'Tasteless would be better than painful.' He washes the bread down with some of the ale, grunting. "Most of our food was cooked on a spit over an open fire or in a stew pot. The only spice we had was salt and a few herbs that the women grew." Reaching for another piece of Naan he watches as the cat trots out of the restaurant.
'Good, Shang is back, seemingly no worse for wear.' Seeing his Taikangian friend return, Børak's eyes shift towards the tap room, to make sure no one is headed toward them. He nods as Shang sits down, listening to the information. Daring another bite of the spicy dish, "The pay and bonus are almost extravagant, At that price I wouldn't be surprised if he will expect us to provide our own mounts." Shrugging, "Or it may just be really dangerous.”
Quickly washing the biryani down with the ale, ”Going down the coast towards Khaszabad.” Turning back to Isa, ”South is further away from Susrah, is that ok?”
Gesturing with the naan towards Shang,, ”Did your friend say what this merchant looked like, or when we should expect him?”
He was... eager... to depart. We can simply ask the innkeeper for that information.
Tufnut
The cat goes through Shang's legs, Borak's leg, and then around Isa's legs. Milk please! I am very thirsty and some cold milk would be nice!
Smiling, Isa calls over one of the bar wenches and requests a saucer of cold milk for Tufnut.
"Patience my little man. I am ordering it now!"
Good idea to get the bar staff over, he says while pausing his almost dainty consumption of the meal. Ask her about the merchant or have the owner come over to tell us.
The buxom young lady comes back over to you after checking on three other tables and letting you eat. The place is not full by any means but you can see that there are four tables in use and about ten guests and a total of thirteen if you include the three Zorabi men at the bar drinking ale and watching the room as if they owned the place.
From his seat against the wall, Børak makes a mental note to watch the Zorabi thugs they had seen sitting in the taproom...
As Shang leaves Børak discreetly watches the taproom attempting to see how many Zorabi there were and if they were wearing red sashes...
His attention turning back to the thugs in the tap room...
He shrugs and takes a bite of the biryani, turning his attention to the Zorabi thugs then unconsciously takes another bite.
perception: Zorabi thugs: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 8 = 18
Good idea to get the bar staff over, he says while pausing his almost dainty consumption of the meal. Ask her about the merchant or have the owner come over to tell us.
From his seat against the wall, Børak makes a mental note to watch the Zorabi thugs they had seen sitting in the taproom...
As Shang leaves Børak discreetly watches the taproom attempting to see how many Zorabi there were and if they were wearing red sashes...
His attention turning back to the thugs in the tap room...
He shrugs and takes a bite of the biryani, turning his attention to the Zorabi thugs then unconsciously takes another bite.
perception: Zorabi thugs: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 8 = 18
Borak noticed as he was waiting for Shang to return that the Zorabi men are very comfortable telling the staff what to do as if they are in charge. You have also noticed that the owner has not come out since you arrived. The man that Shang spoke of... You also notice that the buxom plump women doesn't seem to care for the men or their orders. You also notice that the staff you have seen (only four) all seem to be taking their queues from the buxom women.
'Curious, the three Zorabi seem comfortable bossing around the staff and the owner is nowhere to be seen.' As the black haired susrahnite heads to the table, Børak leans in and tells Shang and Iza, "Those three Zorabi thugs are bossing around the staff, I wonder where the owner is." As the buxom server approaches the table, Børak, gestures towards the tap room asking her in Khazistani, "The three Zorabi thugs in the taproom, are they causing trouble?" He smiles a toothy smile, watching carefully how she responds. "We would be happy to escort them out."
'Curious, the three Zorabi seem comfortable bossing around the staff and the owner is nowhere to be seen.' As the black haired susrahnite heads to the table, Børak leans in and tells Shang and Iza, "Those three Zorabi thugs are bossing around the staff, I wonder where the owner is." As the buxom server approaches the table, Børak, gestures towards the tap room asking her in Khazistani, "The three Zorabi thugs in the taproom, are they causing trouble?" He smiles a toothy smile, watching carefully how she responds. "We would be happy to escort them out."
[dice=sense motive]1d20+1
She gives you a sidelong glance as she turns to look at the Zorabi men and then back at you and your two companions. She then looks at the doorway to the kitchen. She leans over a bit more so she is in between the group but is looking at Borak. "Aram owes the wrong people money. So we deal with those that want to protect their interests. Such is life...I would not go around poking your nose in it." She stands up and then turns back to the taproom and then back to your group. "You need me to refill those mugs for you?" You can't really tell if she is telling stories or being completely honest.
As the buxom women talks to you Shang and Isa notice that two men walk in to the inn. A tall Tharagian, with a long yellow beard, parts of it braided with copper beads, walks to a table and by his side a Zorabi man. The two look like mercenaries themselves. Both are dressed in armor and carry their weapons. Shang notices that both appear to not be regulars as they look around like the three of you did when you came in.
Eventually they sit down across from each other. The women looks at them and the quickly turns back. "If you need be to top those off give me a shot big guy. My name is Arbeletu."
Shang bows his head, carefully and with respect to the newcomers, trying to courteously convey acknowledgement.
He turns to the waitress.
Where is the merchant whose horses are in your stable? He is seeking guards and may have some already... . He pulls out one more silver and holds it out.
Arbeletu
She turns quickly as she saunters to the other table. "Don't know but I bet a copper he will be along shortly."
Arbeletu eh? All respect Miss but I gave you a whole silver there. A description of this merchant should also follow his name as well for that sum. This is not my first tavern, he says with a note of polite rebuke.
Arbeletu
She smiles and turns back around to you lowers her head and lips to your nearby ear. Just enough to let her cleavage show just a bit...she has been around a while as well. "Let me tend to those men and I will tell you. Otherwise they will get upset that my attentions are only on you. THis way they are happy and you get your silver's worth."
She puts the silver in our shirt and turns and moves off to the two men. She speaks to them for a few moments. The Zorabi man at the table seems to look over at you a few times but then goes back to minding his business. Arbeletu turns and goes back to the kitchen and the other girl comes out about ten minutes later and puts down a pitcher of ale and two mugs along with Naan, olives, dates, and humus. After a moment Arbeletu comes back out to your table bringing more naan.
She stands by Shang, so close in fact that her hip leans up against Shang's shoulder.
Seeing the buxom waitress return to the table, he smiles when she gives Shang her name. Arbeletu, hmmm,' seeing her bend over the table at his friend, 'And apparently she likes her men a little shorter, well he is prettier than I.' Watching as she drops the silver into her cleavage and leaves, he waits until she returns later and begins to rub her hips up against Shang, He clears his throat gestures towards Isa, "The young lady would like a saucer of milk for her cat, can that be arranged?"
Arbeletu
Raising an eyebrow at the question as she looks at Isa and the cat she nods. "I can get that for you and your mistress." Said as if probing...
He lowers herself to Shang again displaying her treasures once more. "Those two are also looking for your man. A merchant, I take it you are here for the offer of employment? I had heard he was looking for experienced swords to add to his retinue for the trip south." She puts her hand on Shang's near shoulder and tilts her head affectionately. "Hadramas is his name. A very successful merchant. He frequents the Palm when he is in Dipur. I hope that is worth your silver."
The Tharagain gives a nod of respect to Borak as he empties his ale. His Zorabi counterpart takes a long drink as well and seems to take pleasure in watching Areletu walk back to the kitchen. He turns back and raises and eye and smiles at the Tharagain as if to highlight his pleasure in the women. The Thargain laughs and finishes his drink off.
Isa keeps her eye on the buxom waitress as well as wanting to make sure the thugs across the room do nothing stupid! As the milk arrives she thanks the girl and sets it on the floor.
There you go. You best hurry, I have a feeling one way or another we will be leaving soon!
'My Mistress? Let her think what she wants.' Not comfortable with all the nuances of Khazistani, Børak smiles and nods, but gives no more information. "Thank you Arbeletu." Watching as she flirtasioulsy gives Shang information and gently tries to gather some about themselves.
'So our Areletu trades in information. Well, Information is power and people will pay for it." Waiting to see what information Shang gives the buxom woman, he smiles to himself, 'So I wonder how much information would be needed to trade for all of her wares.'
Raising his ale to the Tharagain, Børak sips his. 'I assume those two may be here for the job as well. I hope they are as competent as they appear.'
Sitting the ale down, he turns to Isa, "Is the stray enjoying his cream? Don't spoil him too much, if he has to stop hunting for his supper he'll do us no good as a 'ratter'"
For some reason, Isa finds Borak's statement quite mirthful, and laugh aloud, before stifling her laughter.
"Oh, well I don't know about that. He does have a voracious appetite!", she giggles looking at Tufnut.
Tufnut
As the cat drinks down the milk he nearly chokes on it as the tall cave bear poising as a human being talks about eating rats... The cat looks up at Isa and back at Borak. "Really...I don't eat rats! I am older than the three of you put together and then some! Rats...rats really...rats...I can tell you some stories about rats and not the ones you find on these streets!" He looks at Borak again and then goes back to drinking the milk. "It is not cold! ...slurp....slurp...At all!"